30 Oct 2008

The wary Tactical squad Arthas of the Ultramarines second company trod as silently through the dense forest of the Tyranid infested planted Forsfarus VI. The trees blocked out what little light the three moons and stars provided. They made a short halt to rest their weary legs. They had been patrolling the perimeter of their forward command base on the planet and had constant guard patrols as the defenses were being built.

There had been no sight of the supposed Tyranid hordes that resided on the small planet of the Forsfarus system. The lieutenant sat on a dead tree trunk and put his bolt pistol down beside him. The other nine members of the squad did similar things the heavy bolter armed member almost collapsing under the wait of his heavy weapon as he sank to the soft forest floor. The entire squad was exhausted and without meaning to one by one the members fell into an uncomfortable sleep.

Lieutenant Horst woke with a start and looked around hurriedly "how could we let our guard down?" he asked himself out loud and he roused the other members of the squad. As they got to their feet unseen to them a pair of glowing eyes peered at them out of the gloom and it stalked away back into the shadows. "We should head back to the base, we're too weary to be any good for anything." Said Horst

The squad had just started walking when they heard a sharp snap from a few feet behind them. "what was that?" said one of the bolter armed marines as if he expected someone to know."I don't know, and i don't like it" Said Horst "Stay alert brothers there are many dark surprises lurking in this forest." No sooner has they started again they heard a sharp shriek from the darkness they each bought their weapons to bear and formed a rough circle of defense. Another shriek louder now and they heard many feet running stealthily through the darkness.

Suddenly a large Tyranid jumped out of the trees and ran at the Ultramarines it's teeth bared. Although caught by surprise the marines dispatched it with a few bolter rounds. Suddenly the were swarms of them erupting from the shadows the marines opened fire the flames of the flamethrower lit up the dark forest roasting the insects and setting the nearby trees alight. Three of the squad were slayed by the ferocity of the creatures charge Lieutenant Horst dispatching them with ruthless efficiency with his boltgun and chain sword, his great experience put to good use.

As quickly as it had begun the creatures disappeared back into the shadows. "This is punishment for our own ignorance," said Horst "Brave lives lost to alien scum!" he spat and pushing his pistol back into it's holster. "Come!" we need to get back to the base quickly. They set off at a paced run after one the squad members dropping his heavy bolter in favor of a plain bolter.

They had been running five minutes when out of no-where a huge scythed claw sliced through nearby trees and threw all five of the marines to the ground. The huge Carnifex roared and tore through some more nearby trees to take a look at it's prey. The huge insect roared and thrust one of it's claws into one of the marines. The rest of the squad scrambled to their feet and opened fire with their bolters ripping holes in the creatures protective exoskeleton. It screamed and dispatched another two of the marines with a swing which crushed them against a tree. Horst threw a grenade at the creature the shrapnel ripping through it. The creature roared in agony and fell dead on top of another marine. Horst heaved the creatures heavy corpse off his comrade and helped him to his feet. "Run!" he yelled as more Tyranids sprang out of the gloom after them. Horst and his final comrade sprinted as fast as their power amour would allow through the forest. They found the entrance to the compound using the last of their energy they ran but just in front of the gates another Carnifex sprang out roaring it's challange "FOR THE EMPEROR!" Horst yelled and swung his chain sword at the creatures leg cleaving it in two. The monster roared in return and slashed at the him narrowly missing him but hitting his comrade in the chest, he was thrown back into the oncoming horde and was ripped to pieces by the vicious beasts. Horst ducked under the Carnifex and made a last ditch attempt to make the compound.

He made it to the gate and it swung open revealing Brother Mortis the expeditions dreadnought the honored chapter warrior opened fire with both his assualt cannon and heavy flamer carving through the countless ranks of the tryanids lines. Horst scrambled through the gates and they swung closed behind him. The Tyranids beat on the gate but he was safe and he collapsed to the floor exhausted phisically and mentally with the loss of his brave battle brothers.